Choosing the right platform can take your print on demand business to the next level! Shopify and Etsy each have different strengths, want to know which platform is better? Whether you're eager to take full control of your brand or want to reach a ready-made audience, this guide will help you find the best option for success. Let's see which platform can take your business to new heights!
Learn About Shopify and Etsy
Shopify
Shopify is known for its powerful customization capabilities and extensive scalability. As a dedicated e-commerce platform, it allows you to create a fully branded online store with extensive design flexibility. As of July 2023, the total number of Shopify online stores in the United States exceeded 1 million. This makes it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs looking to build a strong brand image and expand their product offerings. Shopify also seamlessly integrates with a variety of print-on-demand services, providing a streamlined process from design to delivery.
Etsy
Etsy is a vibrant community of artists and artisans. In 2023, about 96.48 million buyers purchased goods on Etsy. This built-in audience of large numbers of shoppers specifically looking for unique, customized products makes Etsy an ideal platform for designers and artists. At the same time, Etsy's interface is very friendly for newbies, and the easy-to-use operation makes opening a store easy.
Pros and Cons of Shopify and Etsy
Shopify Pros and Cons
Shopify scalability is a significant advantage, and it can evolve as your business grows. It also offers a wide range of customization capabilities and seamlessly connects various print-on-demand services, simplifying the process from design to delivery.
Monthly fees and additional app fees for the platform could increase, which could be a concern for small businesses. A wide range of features may not be fully available to beginners.
Etsy Pros and Cons
Etsy comes with millions of users looking for unique designs and setting up shop on the Etsy platform is easy and beginner friendly.
Design customization options are limited, which may limit brand differentiation. And Etsy's trading and listing fees can accumulate, affecting margins.
Shopify vs Etsy: A Detailed Comparison
Audience
- Shopify allows you to build your brand from scratch, meaning you have the freedom to target a specific demographic that aligns with your products. The platform is perfect for sellers looking to build an independent brand.
- Etsy has a large number of customers looking for unique custom products and handmade items. This makes Etsy a great option for those who want immediate access to a niche market without extensive marketing efforts.
Work Flow
- The workflow on Shopify is highly customizable, making it suitable for businesses that want to tailor their operations to fit specific needs. You can integrate various apps and tools to streamline tasks such as order management, inventory tracking, and customer communication.
- Etsy offers a more straightforward workflow. The platform is easy to use and enables sellers to quickly open their stores with minimal operation and setup. This simple operation is beneficial for beginners.
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Design Shop
- Shopify offers a huge range of design options that allow you to personalize your own store. By choosing the right theme and adjusting the details of the website store, you can control the details of the brand and make the store image more consistent with the brand. This level of customization helps in standing out in a crowded market.
- Etsy offers limited design customization. While you can customize your store banners and profiles, the overall layout of the Etsy store is consistent. This uniformity can be a drawback for those looking to create a distinct brand presence.
Integration with Print on Demand Services
- Shopify's platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with various print-on-demand providers such as Printify and PrintKK. Product lists and order status are constantly updated and simplify your workflow.
- Etsy also supports integration with print on demand services, but the process requires more human intervention and is more cumbersome. You may need to manually adjust the product list and inventory quantity, which can take your time.
Provides the Function of Printing on Demand
- Shopify excels in providing a robust environment for print on demand businesses. You can easily integrate with a print-on-demand service provider, and this flexibility allows you to meet the needs of different customers and generate more sales.
- Etsy, while supportive of print on demand, is more restrictive. The platform’s focus on handmade and unique items may limit the types of products you can offer, and the integration process might not be as fluid as with Shopify.
Fees and Prices
- Shopify charges a monthly subscription fee, with additional costs for premium themes and apps. This can add up, especially for small businesses. However, the investment can be justified by the extensive features and customization options available.
- Etsy operates on a different model, charging listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees. While these costs can accumulate, especially for high-volume sellers, the initial setup cost is lower, making it accessible for those just starting out.
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Customer Support
- Shopify offers comprehensive customer support, including 24/7 access to help via chat, email, and phone. The platform also provides extensive documentation and a community forum where users can find answers to common questions. This type of support is obvious to both individuals and businesses
- Etsy also offers customer support, but the options are more limited. While you can access help through email and chat, the response times may be longer, and the resources available are not as extensive as those provided by Shopify.
Marketing Help
- Marketing is a critical component of any e-commerce business, and both Shopify and Etsy offer tools to help you promote your products. Shopify provides advanced marketing features, including SEO tools, social media integrations, and email marketing capabilities. These tools enable you to reach a broader audience and drive traffic to your store.
- Etsy, while offering some marketing tools, primarily relies on its internal search engine and promoted listings. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a simpler approach, but it may not offer the same level of control and reach as Shopify’s marketing tools.
Which One Is Better for Print on Demand, Shopify or Etsy?
Making the final choice between Shopify and Etsy depends on your needs. Shopify excels in customization and control and is ideal for those who want to build a unique brand. It offers seamless integration with multiple print on demand providers and advanced marketing tools, allowing you to create a personalized store and expand your product range.
Etsy is well suited to leverage existing markets with built-in audiences. It is easy to use and allows you to open a shop quickly. While its integration with the print-on-demand service requires more manual updates, Etsy's focus on unique handmade items helps attract customers looking for unique products.
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Reddit's Reviews: Shopify vs Etsy for New Pod Sellers?
Still unable to choose between Shopify and Etsy? Take a look at the experiences and insights of reddit users.
Sea-Concentrate-642
I am planning on starting a POD business using Shopify or Etsy but I am not able to choose between them. I know that Etsy has a higher transaction fees but some people say its worth it when you start selling high volumes.
My question with Shopify is that Etsy has its audience coming in, how do you pull in traffic to your Shopify website? Is it through you own social media? Do they have ads? In general, do you guys when suggest this is a profitable business?
kenny2812
Yes with Shopify you have to drive all of your own traffic with socials and Ads. With Etsy you do get the benefit of getting organic traffic directly from people browsing similar listings. A lot of people use both, I would suggest doing both if you have the time and resources to do so. It's best not to have all your eggs in one basket, so if one source of sales goes bust for whatever reason you're not completely done for.
UmbandistaGay
If you want to have a side hustle (which could become a very solid side hustle), Etsy is an option. But keep in mind that the people who buy from you are not your customers. They are Etsy's. You cannot market to those people to get them back to your store (unless there is a different way to do that that I am not aware of).
Shopify is your own website, which means you are building your own business (not a marketplace's). You have full control over bringing visitors to your website, which is hard, but not impossible. Your clients are your clients, and you can communicate with them whenever you want (as long as you collect emails from your visitors).
Use PrintKK to Help You Grow Your Business on Shopify and Etsy
- PrintKK seamlessly integrates with Shopify, enabling you to create a fully customized online store with ease. Its robust features allow you to manage inventory, automate order processing, and utilize advanced marketing tools. This ensures your business runs smoothly, giving you more time to focus on creating unique products and growing your brand.
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- On Etsy, PrintKK simplifies the process of offering print on demand products to a vast, ready-made audience. The integration is straightforward, allowing you to quickly set up and start selling. With PrintKK, you can manage product listings and inventory efficiently, even with Etsy’s manual updates. This means you can maintain a diverse product range without the hassle, attracting customers looking for distinctive, handmade items.
Conclusion
Determine your goals and design preferences, then make your final choice between Shopify and Etsy. Shopify can help you control your own unique brand, while Etsy can help you quickly find a wide range of customers who appreciate unique handmade products.
Each platform has unique advantages that allow you to keep your choices on the same level as your goals. Whether it's a customized personalized store or an existing built-in marketplace, choosing the right platform can help make your print on demand business the ultimate success.
FAQs
Shopify or Etsy, which has more sales?
Etsy gets more instant sales because of its built-in audience, while Shopify's sales are dependent on your marketing efforts.
Can I sell handmade items on Shopify?
Yes, Shopify allows you to sell handmade products, design and sell with confidence.
Is Shopify or Etsy better for selling art?
Selling art on Etsy can quickly reach a large number of art lovers and increase your sales.
What other platforms can I sell on besides Shopify and Etsy?
In addition to Shopify and Etsy, platforms like eBay and Redbubble can also be your choice.
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